System and method for providing a discount

ABSTRACT

In particular, systems and methods are provided for delivering a discount using a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency. Inventive systems and methods offer a high-perceived savings value to an end-user while maintaining the perception of product value. Further, systems and methods for providing a discount are described which impose little or no cost on the service or product provider. An embodiment of an inventive method includes presenting a display of a price paid by a consumer without access to the virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable by the end-user in actual currency in combination with an amount payable in a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/049,608, filed Feb. 2, 2005, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/541,220, filed Feb. 2, 2004.This application also claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/894,059, filed Mar. 9, 2007, The entire contentof each application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Systems and methods provided by the invention relate to systems andmethods for providing a discount. In particular, inventive systems andmethods relate to systems and methods for providing a discount using apartner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Providing a discounted retail price on a product or service is atime-honored method of increasing sales, increasing brand, product andservice visibility and expanding the market for the product or service.However, providing a discount is a method to be used with care sincefrequent discounting may lead to a customer perception of decreasedvalue such that customers are unwilling to pay the retail value underany circumstances.

A recent trend in discounting has been the association of a discountwith “points,” “miles.” or other form of non-cash currency accumulatedin order for the customer to realize a discount on a product or service.Such “mileage” or “point” accounts have the advantage of heighteningcustomer loyalty to a particular product or service provider as well asproviding the perception that “extra” value is received when points ormiles are delivered along with the purchased product. Nevertheless, inspite of the benefits of such loyalty point program discounting methods,the disadvantages of such schemes often outweigh the advantages. Forexample, a delivery of “points,” “miles,” or other form of non-cashcurrency to a customer requires the product or service provider to incuran expense on its income statement and carry liability for redemption ofthe virtual currency on the books. Management of virtual currencyaccounts implicates significant costs to the product or serviceprovider. Additionally, customers are often frustrated with limitationson “spending” their accumulated non-cash currency.

Thus, there is a continuing need for systems and methods for providing adiscount using a virtual currency which provides high-perceived savingsvalue to a customer while maintaining the perception of product value.It would be a tremendous benefit to service and product providers whomaintain “points,” “miles,” or other form of non-cash currency accountsto allow customers to “spend” such non-cash currency at little or nocost to the providers.

Thus, systems and methods for providing a discount are needed whichrequire little or no cost to the service or product provider. Inaddition, systems and methods for providing a discount are needed whichallow a customer to spend non-cash currency require little or no cost tothe non-cash currency provider.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method for providing a discount to an end-user according to anembodiment of the invention includes the step of receiving an end-userrequest for price information associated with a product or service. Alsoincluded are steps of retrieving a daily price value of the product froma first database, retrieving a base price value of the product from asecond database, and calculating a difference between the retrieveddaily price value and the retrieved base price value to determine amargin value. A further step includes allocating a portion of the marginvalue to an entity other than the end-user, such as an administrator,charity or other. Another step includes increasing the base price valueby an amount equal to the amount allocated to the entity to determine anadjusted base price value of a product, the adjusted price value beingindicative of an amount of actual currency to be paid by the end-user.Calculation of the difference between the retrieved daily price valueand the adjusted base price value results in a savings value of theproduct. The savings value is indicative of an amount of apartner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user. Further, theretrieved daily price value of the product, the adjusted base pricevalue of the product and the savings value of the product are presentedto the end-user. Where the end-user decides to purchase the product, anend-user request to purchase the product is received. A determinationthat the end-user has an amount of available partner-issued currency ora combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency at leastequal to the amount of the savings value is made and an amount ofpartner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency equal to the presented savings value issubtracted from the amount of partner-issued currency or combination ofvirtual currency and partner-issued currency available to the end-user.A further step includes receiving details from the end-user indicatingpayment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to the adjustedbase price value, thereby providing a discount to the end-user.

In a preferred embodiment, the product is a hotel stay. In furtherpreferred embodiments the product is airline travel, a condominium stay,a cruise trip, travel related merchandise, luggage, a theatrical ticket,a video cassette recording, a DVD, an audio recording, a restaurantproduct, an article of clothing, an appliance, an electronic device;lawn care, home improvement, a repair service, a personal care service,and a pet care service.

Also preferred is an inventive method including a step of presenting theretrieved daily price value of the product, the adjusted base pricevalue of the product and the savings value of the product to theend-user in tabular form.

Also detailed herein is an inventive method for providing a discount toa end-user including some steps described above but wherein adetermination is made that the end-user does not have an amount ofavailable partner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currencyand partner-issued currency at least equal to the amount of the savingsvalue. In such a case, an embodiment of an inventive method includes thesteps of calculating a difference between the amount of availablepartner-issued currency or combined of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency and the amount of the savings value to determinean amount of a deficiency of partner-issued currency or a combination ofvirtual currency and partner-issued currency, and notifying the end-userthat the amount of the deficiency may be paid in actual currency. In theevent that the end-user decides to purchase the product, a end-userrequest to purchase the product is received and details are furtherreceived from the end-user indicating payment of actual currency in anamount at least equal to the adjusted base price value and the amount ofthe deficiency, thereby providing a discount to the end-user.

Another embodiment details a method for providing a discount offer to anend-user which includes the steps of retrieving a daily price value of aproduct from a first database, retrieving a base price value of aproduct from a second database and calculating a difference between theretrieved daily price value and the retrieved base price value todetermine a margin value. A portion of the margin value is optionallyallocated to an entity other than the end-user and the base price valueis increased by an amount equal to the amount allocated to the entity todetermine an adjusted base price value of a product. The adjusted pricevalue is indicative of an amount of actual currency to be paid by theend-user. In an additional step a difference between the retrieved dailyprice value and the adjusted base price value is calculated to determinea savings value of a product, the savings value indicative of an amountof a partner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user. Further, theretrieved daily price value of a product, the adjusted base price valueof a product and the savings value of a product are presented to theend-user, thereby providing a discount offer to the end-user.

In a further embodiment, a system is detailed for providing a discountor a discount offer to an end-user which includes a device having a datainput and output element, processing circuitry, memory circuitry and anexecutable program for performing a method as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating relationships between variousparticipants in an embodiment of an inventive system;

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating exemplary participant entities in anembodiment of an inventive system and method;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive systemincluding memory circuitry;

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive system inwhich an end-user interface is provided along with processing circuitryand an executable program for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method;

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive system inwhich an end-user interface is provided along with processing circuitryand an executable program for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method;

FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive system inwhich an end-user interface is provided along with processing circuitryand an executable program for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method;

FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive system inwhich an end-user interface is provided along with processing circuitryand an executable program for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method;

FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating an end-user card optionally included inan inventive system or method;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventivemethod;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventivemethod;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventivemethod including a step of maintaining a database;

FIG. 12A is a drawing illustrating tabular presentation of product priceinformation presentation;

FIG. 12B is a drawing illustrating tabular presentation of product priceinformation presentation along with an amount of a charitable donation;

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a tabular presentation of priceinformation in an embodiment in which the product of interest is a hotelstay;

FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a tabular presentation of informationregarding an end-user's virtual currency account;

FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating an end-user interface in the form of aweb page;

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating relationships between variousparticipants in an embodiment of an inventive system;

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating exemplary participant entities in anembodiment of an inventive system and method.

FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive systemin which an end-user interface is provided along with processingcircuitry and an executable program for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method;

FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive systemin which an end-user interface is provided along with processingcircuitry and an executable program for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method;

FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive systemin which an end-user interface is provided along with processingcircuitry and an executable program for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method;

FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating an embodiment of an inventive systemin which an end-user interface is provided along with processingcircuitry and an executable program for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method;

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventivemethod;

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an inventivemethod;

FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating a tabular presentation of priceinformation in an embodiment in which the product of interest is a hotelstay;

FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a tabular presentation of informationregarding an end-user's partner-issued currency account;

FIG. 26 is a drawing illustrating an end-user interface in the form of aweb page; and

FIG. 27 is a drawing illustrating an end-user gift card optionallyincluded in an inventive system or method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A system and method for providing a discount to an end-user areprovided. In particular, systems and methods for delivering a discountusing a partner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency are provided which offer a high perceivedsavings value to a customer while maintaining the perception of productvalue in the public view. Further, systems and methods for providing adiscount are described which impose little or no cost on the service orproduct provider. Additional embodiments of systems and methods allow apartner-issued currency to be used to obtain a discount such that thepartner-issued currency is “spent” at little or no cost to the partner.

For example, an embodiment of an inventive method broadly includesproviding a virtual currency to an end-user and responding to anend-user inquiry regarding a product price by presenting the end-userwith a display of a price paid by an average consumer without access tothe virtual currency along with a display of an amount payable in actualcurrency in combination with an amount payable in virtual currency bythe end-user. The end-user perceives a benefit to using the virtualcurrency since the price paid in actual currency is less than thedisplayed price to be paid by a consumer without access to the virtualcurrency.

The term ‘actual currency’ as used herein is intended to mean governmentor bank notes generally accepted as currency, such as dollars.

In contrast, the term ‘virtual currency’ is intended to mean a form ofcurrency created by an administrator of a system or method according tothe present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the virtual currencyis presented to the end-user using terms associated with actualcurrency. For example, virtual currency is illustratively called‘virtual dollars,’ or the like. In a preferred embodiment, virtualcurrency is given to a client who pays for creation and maintenance ofend-user accounts. In a highly preferred embodiment, an administratorauthorizes a client to distribute an amount of virtual currency withouta “dollar for virtual dollar” charge by the administrator to the client.That is, an administrator charges a client a fee for management of anend-user account, but the charge for such management may be the same nomatter whether the client decides to award 10 virtual dollars or 10,000virtual dollars, or any other amount of the virtual currency, to the enduser. In a highly preferred embodiment, a client is not “credited” withan amount of virtual currency by an administrator such that when anamount of virtual currency is distributed to an end-user by a client, anamount equal to that distributed is deducted from any total allocated tothe client. Rather, in such a highly preferred embodiment, the client isauthorized to distribute as much or as little of the virtual currency toan end-user as desired.

The term “partner” as used herein is intended to mean an entity having abusiness relationship with an administrator. The partner issues its ownform of non-actual currency, termed “partner-issued currency.” Thebusiness relationship between an administrator and partner establishesthe ability of an end-user to use a partner-issued currency or acombination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency to obtain adiscount on a product and/or service according to a method and/or systemof an embodiment of the present invention. In general, where apartner-issued currency is used to obtain a discount, the end-usertypically has a relationship with the partner, such asmerchant/customer, service provider/customer, which results in thedelivery of the partner-issued currency to the end-user.

The term “partner-issued currency” as used herein is intended to mean aform of currency created by a partner and which is not an actualcurrency. Exemplary partner-issued currencies include “miles,” “points,”and non-governmentally-issued “dollars.”

In a further preferred embodiment, the virtual currency is given to anend-user by a client. The virtual currency is optionally sold to aclient for actual currency or other consideration. In a furtherembodiment, a ‘virtual currency dollar’ is optionally sold for less thanan ‘actual currency’ dollar.

Also preferred is an embodiment in which a virtual currency distributedto an end-user has no expiration date.

In describing inventive systems and methods, the term ‘administrator’ asused herein is intended to mean an entity that creates a virtualcurrency and authorizes a right to use a virtual currency. Anadministrator further administers end-user accounts and relationshipswith clients and suppliers.

The term ‘client’ as used herein is intended to mean one who ‘buys’ thevirtual currency. The client may also be termed a “client” of theadministrator.

The term ‘end-user’ or ‘user’ as used herein is intended to mean theindividual who has an account for the partner-issued currency and/or thevirtual currency and/or uses the virtual currency and/or partner-issuedcurrency to get a savings/discount on a product or service.

The client may be an end-user, but in a preferred option, the client isan entity who distributes the virtual currency to an end-user afteracquiring it from the administrator. Such “distribution” of a virtualcurrency preferably takes the form of providing the end-user withnotification of information operable to access an end-user account. Forexample, the end-user may be provided with a card or letter havingincluded password information operable to access an end-user accounthaving an amount of a virtual currency available for the end-user.Generally, the client and end-user have a relationship, such asemployer/employee, merchant/customer, service provider/customer and thelike.

The term ‘supplier’ as used herein is intended to mean one who providesa product or service for which a discount/savings value is provided. Ingeneral, the supplier is an entity directly involved in supplying theproduct or service, such as an airline, hotel, or manufacturer.

The term “intermediary” as used herein is intended to mean an entitywhich provides access to price information relating to a product. In oneembodiment, an intermediary maintains a database of price informationrelating to a product. In such an embodiment, an intermediary receivesinformation for database update periodically or continuously. In anotherembodiment, an intermediary provides a “switch service,” linking anadministrator to databases maintained by one or more suppliers. Such aswitch service is exemplified by that provided by Pegasus Solutions,Inc. An intermediary has a relationship with an administrator such thatthe administrator is authorized to retrieve information from theintermediary database and/or through an intermediary provided switch toa supplier database. Further, an intermediary may provide access to acomputer system of a supplier such that an administrator can reserve asupplier's product.

The term ‘daily price value’ as used herein is intended to mean aproduct or service price established by a supplier and displayed to theend-user. The ‘daily price value’ may vary considerably with time,especially in some industries, such as the hotel industry. Thus, the‘daily price value’ may be established by the supplier as valid for aparticular period of time, after which the inventive system and methodincorporate a new ‘daily price value.’ While the term “daily pricevalue” may indicate that the daily price value is established daily, itis understood that the daily price value may fluctuate with the marketfor the product or service and that therefore the daily price value maybe established as valid for more or less than one day. As discussedbelow, in one embodiment, the ‘daily price value’ is determined byobtaining the ‘daily price value’ from the supplier upon end-userdemand. In one example, a daily price value in the context of the hotelindustry may be the price which would be paid by an average consumer orthe best price on the hotel's own website. Typically such a price islower than the industry defined “rack rate.”

The term “base price value” as used herein refers typically to the pricewhich is a basis for the calculated amount which the end-user pays using‘actual currency.’ The base price value is optionally negotiated by thesupplier and the administrator. In a further option, the base pricevalue is set by the administrator.

The term ‘margin’ as used herein is intended to mean a value whichrepresents the difference between the daily price value and the baseprice value.

The term “adjusted base price value” as used herein is used to refer tothe amount which the end-user pays using ‘actual currency.’ The baseprice value is adjusted by a fractional percent of the margin rangingbetween 0-99% of the margin. For example, in one embodiment, thedifference between the daily price value and the base price value, themargin, is presented to the end-user as the savings value. In such acase the base price value is adjusted by 0% and the adjusted base pricevalue is therefore equal to the base price value. However, in a furtherembodiment, a share of the difference between the daily price value andthe base price value may by apportioned to the administrator, anotherparticipant in an inventive system/method, such as the client, or to aanother entity, such as a charitable organization. The share apportionedto the administrator, or other, ranges from 0.001-99% of the margin. Insuch cases the “base price value” is adjusted upwards to reflect theamount apportioned to another as described, resulting in an “adjustedbase price value.” The adjusted base price value can be paid in actualcurrency using cash, but preferably, is paid using a credit or debitcard by end-user supplied information communicated over a communicationsnetwork, such as by Internet transaction.

The terms ‘discount value’ or ‘savings value’ as used herein is intendedto mean a value presented to an end-user which represents the differencebetween the daily price value and the adjusted base price value. In apreferred embodiment, the savings value is distinguished from theadjusted base price value in that the savings value is paid usingvirtual currency. In one embodiment, the savings value may be paid witha mix of virtual and actual currency, whereas the base price value ispaid using actual currency.

The ‘adjusted base price value’ is optionally and preferably a valuedisplayed to the end-user along with the daily price value and thesavings value.

A system for providing a discount to an end-user is described herein.FIG. 1 depicts relationships between various participants in anembodiment of an inventive system. In a particular embodiment, theend-user 10 and client 12 preferably have a relationship such asemployee/employer or customer/merchant or customer/service provider. Inan embodiment in which the end-user/client have an employee/employerrelationship, virtual currency may be given to the employee by theemployer as a reward, such as a reward for years of service, on-timebehavior, attendance, performance, loyalty to the employer, or the like.In an embodiment, in which the end-user/client have a customer/merchantor customer/service provider relationship, virtual currency may be givento the customer as a reward for loyalty, years of mutual association,relationship reinforcement tool and the like.

The client 12 and administrator 14 have a relationship in which theclient arranges for the administrator to provide end-user accounts andauthorize distribution of a virtual currency. In a preferred embodiment,the client pays the administrator to maintain, update and otherwiseoversee the end-user accounts provided to the client. In a highlypreferred embodiment, an administrator authorizes a client to distributean amount of virtual currency without a “dollar for virtual dollar”charge by the administrator to the client. That is, an administratorcharges a client a fee for management of an end-user account, but thecharge for such management may be the same no matter whether the clientdecides to award 10 virtual dollars or 10,000 virtual dollars, or anyother amount of the virtual currency, to the end user. In a highlypreferred embodiment, a client is not “credited” with an amount ofvirtual currency by an administrator such that when an amount of virtualcurrency is distributed to an end-user by a client, an amount equal tothat distributed is deducted from any total allocated to the client.Rather, in such a highly preferred embodiment, the client is authorizedto distribute as much or as little of the virtual currency to anend-user as desired. In another embodiment, the client pays theadministrator for an amount of virtual currency to be made available toan end-user.

An administrator 14 establishes a relationship with a supplier 16 inorder to provide goods or services to an end-user for which the end-usercan obtain a discount.

FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary participant entities in an embodiment of aninventive system and method including an end-user 10, client 12,administrator 14 and supplier 16 as described above, and additionallydepicts an intermediary 17. In one embodiment of an inventive system andmethod, an intermediary 17 has relationships with a supplier and anadministrator. An intermediary may provide a database having priceinformation contributed by a supplier and available for retrieval by anadministrator.

An inventive system preferably includes data input and output capacity,processing circuitry, memory circuitry and an executable program forcarrying out one or more steps in an inventive method. FIG. 3schematically depicts an embodiment of a system 20. Shown is anembodiment of an inventive system including a processor 22 andexecutable instructions 24 in a computer-readable medium for performingone or more steps in an inventive method. FIG. 3 further illustratesexemplary input and output components 32 linking an end-user interface34, supplier data 36 and product description data 38 with processor andprogram components.

As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment of an inventive system 20 preferablyincludes memory circuitry such as a database 22, and may include aplurality of databases, exemplified at 24 and 26. In a preferred option,an embodiment of an inventive system includes a database containingend-user identifying information. Typically, end-user identifyinginformation includes one or more identifiers such as an end-user'sactual name, an end-user's virtual name such as one used for purposes ofcomputer login, an end-user password for computer login, end-useraddress, telephone number, credit card information, product interests,system account number, and the like.

Further examples of data optionally included in a database of aninventive system include end-user account information, such as theamount of virtual currency in the account, past purchase information,source of the virtual currency, and the like. Additional examples ofdata optionally included in a database of an inventive system includebase price values associated with a product or service, daily priceinformation, supplier information, such as product descriptions andclient information.

Components of an embodiment of an inventive system may be included inany type of computer system such as a personal digital assistant,personal computer, workstation, server or mainframe computer. Inaddition, components of an inventive system, such as a plurality ofdatabases, may be distributed in more than one computer deviceconnectable by a wired or wireless connection.

An inventive system preferably includes an input component forcommunication of end-user requests or other information, such as dailyprice information from a supplier. Input components include networkcommunication links for example, such as Internet links.

An inventive system preferably includes an output component forcommunication with an end-user or others. Output components includenetwork communication links for example, such as Internet links.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system 40 in which anend-user interface 42 is provided along with processing circuitry 44,and an executable program 46 for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 48 including a dailyprice database, a base price database, an end-user account database, aclient information database, and a product information database. In anillustrated embodiment, database components are administratorcontrolled, such that an active connection to a client, supplier, orintermediary database is unnecessary to carry out a step of an inventivemethod. For example, in such an embodiment, a daily price value isstored in a database controlled by an administrator such that areal-time inquiry to another entity for a daily price value isunnecessary to calculate a savings value, present price information toan end-user and complete a transaction in which an end-user receives adiscount on a product or service.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system 50 in which anend-user interface 42 is provided along with processing circuitry 44,and an executable program 46 for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 48 including a dailyprice database, a base price database, an end-user account database, aclient information database, and a product information database. In anillustrated embodiment, some database components are administratorcontrolled. In addition, a client interface 52 is provided in anillustrated embodiment, allowing for client input of end-user accountinformation, such as a list of end-users and amounts of a virtualcurrency to be added to end-user accounts. Such information may be inputto directly update an end-user account. Alternatively, such informationmay be transmitted to an administrator, such as by e-mail or FTPdownload of information for instance, for administrator entry.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system 60 in which anend-user interface 42 is provided along with processing circuitry 44,and an executable program 46 for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 48 including a baseprice database, an end-user account database, and a client informationdatabase. In an illustrated embodiment, some database components areadministrator controlled. In addition, an optional client interface 52is illustrated. Further depicted are supplier components 54. In aparticular embodiment, a supplier controls a daily price value database56 which may be accessed by an administrator to retrieve a daily pricevalue. In addition, a supplier may optionally provide productinformation 58. For example, a supplier may present product informationon a web page controlled by the supplier and the administrator mayprovide a link to the information to an end-user. Such productinformation illustratively includes such information as a description ofthe product, a technical specification of the product, an illustrationof the product, a location of the product, a map showing the location ofthe product, a critical review of the product, instructions on use ofthe product, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system 70 in which anend-user interface 42 is provided along with processing circuitry 44,and an executable program 46 for carrying out one or more steps in aninventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 48 including a baseprice database, an end-user account database, and a client informationdatabase. In an illustrated embodiment, some database components areadministrator controlled. An optional client interface 52 is also shown.Further, a supplier provided component 54 is illustrated and may includeproduct information 58. For example, a supplier may present productinformation on a web page controlled by the supplier and theadministrator may provide a link to the information to an end-user. In aparticular embodiment, a supplier provided component 62 is communicatedto an intermediary 64 which provides access to an administrator. Inparticular, a supplier provided component 62 communicated to anintermediary 64 includes a supplier database 60 containing daily pricevalue information.

Optionally included in an inventive system is an end-user card. Such acard is illustrated in FIG. 8 at 80 and includes information such asend-user name, end-user account number, end-user account password,administrator identifying information such as a logo or company name,client identifying information such as a logo or company, and the like.Preferably, the card is presented to the end-user as a convenientreminder of account information and affiliation information. Typicallythe card is not necessary to use an inventive system or method. However,optionally, a memory chip is included in the card and contains suchinformation as account data and the like. A card may be supplied in anyof various formats, illustratively including a standard credit cardsize, about 1 mm thick, and a ‘thin’ credit card size, about 0.5 mmthick, which can be imprinted with information for example by embossingor laser printing. The card optionally contains such information as theterms and conditions of the system and method of use, instructions foruse, a list of the most commonly asked questions with answers, and thelike.

A method of providing a discount according to the invention includes anumber of steps described herein, some of which are optional. Anexemplary embodiment of an inventive method is illustrated in FIG. 9.Steps are depicted in illustrative order and applicant does not intendto limit an inventive method to one having steps performed in the orderillustrated or described herein.

An embodiment of an inventive method includes a step 92 of retrieving adaily price value. A daily price value is retrieved from a database 94,such as a supplier database, intermediary database or administratordatabase.

A further step 96 in an embodiment of an inventive method includesretrieving a base price value. A base price value is retrieved from adatabase 98, such as a supplier database, intermediary database oradministrator database.

In an additional step 100 of an embodiment of an inventive method, adifference between the retrieved daily price value and the retrievedbase price value of a product or service is calculated to determine amargin value. The margin value represents the high end of a range ofpotential savings values to be presented or given to an end-user for usein purchasing a product or service. In a preferred embodiment, aninventive method includes a step 102 of allocating a portion of themargin to an entity other than the end-user. In a further preferredembodiment, a portion of the margin is allocated to more than one entityother than the end-user. In an alternative step 104, no allocation ismade. An entity to whom a portion of the margin is allocatedillustratively includes an administrator, a client, a supplier, anintermediary or other. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of themargin is allocated to the administrator. In another preferredembodiment, a portion of the margin is allocated to a charity.

A benefit formula is applied to the margin value to calculate a savingsvalue to the end-user. The benefit formula optionally incorporates termsdefining a percentage of the margin value to be allocated to an entityand a term for an amount allocated to an entity to calculate a savingsvalue. The percentage of the margin value allocated to the entity rangesfrom 0-99% of the margin.

For example, in one embodiment of a benefit formula applied to a margin,a term for an amount allocated to an entity to calculate a savings valueis expressed as: (Z×Y)=an amount allocated to an entity, where Z is themargin value and Y is the % of the margin value allocated to an entity.

In one embodiment, a further step 106 in an inventive method includesadjusting the base price value. The base price value is adjusted by anamount equal to the amount allocated to an entity as described. Such anamount will represent a fractional percent of the margin ranging between0-99% of the margin, as described. For example, in one embodiment, thedifference between the daily price value and the base price value, themargin, is presented to the end-user as the savings value. In such acase the base price value is adjusted by 0% and the adjusted base pricevalue is therefore equal to the base price value. However, in a furtherembodiment, a share of the difference between the daily price value andthe base price value may by apportioned to the administrator, anotherparticipant in an inventive system/method, such as the client, or to aanother entity, such as a charitable organization. The share apportionedto the administrator, or other, ranges from 0.001-99% of the margin. Insuch cases the “base price value” is adjusted upwards to reflect theamount apportioned to another as described, resulting in an “adjustedbase price value.”

In a further step 108 of an embodiment of an inventive method, a savingsvalue is calculated, such as by application of a benefit formula.

For example, in one embodiment a benefit formula applied to a margin isexpressed as: Z−(Z×Y)=savings value, where Z is the margin value, Y isthe % of the margin value allocated to an entity and (Z×Y) is the amountof the margin value allocated to the entity.

Further provided by the present invention is an embodiment of aninventive method including steps depicted in FIG. 10. An illustratedembodiment of an inventive method includes the step 202 of receiving anend-user request for price information associated with a product orservice. In a preferred embodiment, the end-user request is receivedover a communications network, such as a wireless or wired LAN, WAN, orother network, including, the “internet.” For example, the end-userpreferably uses a computer or other electronic device capable ofreceiving Internet communications to access a web page displayinginformation indicating participation in an inventive method. The webpage optionally displays administrator information such as name and/orlogo. In a further option, the website displays client information suchthat the end-user associates the savings value with the identity of theclient. Alternatively, the end-user may request the price information bytelephone or in person from a representative.

A further step 204 includes retrieving a daily price value associatedwith the product or service for which the end-user has requestedinformation. Since the daily price value may vary considerably withtime, the daily price value may be established by the supplier as validfor a particular period of time. For instance, the supplier maystipulate that a given daily price value is good for one month afterissue for a particular product or service. Thus, one month after issueof the daily price value, a new daily price value must be obtained fromthe supplier. The frequency with a new daily price value must beobtained depends on a number of factors such as the product or serviceinvolved. In a preferred embodiment, the daily price value is obtainedfrom the supplier upon end-user demand for price information. The dailyprice value is optionally obtained directly from the supplier or from anadministrator-controlled database. In a preferred option, the dailyprice value is retrieved from a database controlled by an intermediary.

In a particular embodiment of an inventive method, an end-user requestsprice information for a hotel stay. Since the hotel industry is one inwhich room prices and availability frequently fluctuate, it is preferredthat the daily price value is obtained in immediate response to theend-user request for information. A particular hotel, or centralinformation contact for a hotel chain may be contacted, preferably by acommunications network connection, such as an Internet connection, toobtain the daily price value. Alternatively, a daily price value isobtained through an intermediary, such as Pegasus Solutions, Inc., whichmaintains a switch for interfacing to a database of one of many hotels.In a further embodiment, a daily price value is obtained from a databasecontaining daily rate values communicated to the intermediary ordirectly entered into a database maintained by the intermediary.

In a further step 206 of an inventive method, a base price value for theproduct or service of interest to the end-user is retrieved. Forexample, the base price value may be retrieved from a databasemaintained by an administrator or supplier. As described, the base pricevalue is typically negotiated between the administrator and supplier, oralternatively, between the client and supplier.

Another step of an illustrated embodiment includes a step 208 ofadjusting the base price value to determine the adjusted base pricevalue, as described herein. The adjusted base price value is the pricethat the end-user pays using an actual currency, such as by credit card,debit card, or the like. In one embodiment, a client optionally pays theadjusted base price value for the end-user, such as when a client wishesto extend an extra reward to an end-user.

A further step 210 of a method according to an embodiment of theinvention includes calculating a savings value associated with theproduct or service of interest to an end-user as described herein.

In a step 212 of a method according to an embodiment of the invention,price and savings values are presented to an end-user. In a preferredoption, price information presented to the end-user includes presentingthe daily price value, the adjusted base price value and the savingsvalue associated with the product or service of interest. In a furtherpreferred option, the daily price value, the adjusted base price valueand the savings value are presented in tabular form. Optionally, otherforms of presentation may be used, such as a list, a graph, or otherform of presentation of the information described.

A further step 214 in an embodiment of an inventive method includesreceiving an end-user request to purchase the product. The request mayinclude end-user specification of an amount of virtual currency theend-user desires to apply to the savings value. In a preferredembodiment, the end-user does not have the option to specify an amountof virtual currency to apply other than the amount of the savings valuedisplayed to the user. However, as described herein, in one embodiment,the end-user may optionally pay part of the savings value with actualcurrency where the end-user has insufficient virtual currency to pay thesavings value with virtual currency. The request is preferably receivedvia a communications network, such as by Internet communication but mayalso be communicated by other means such as telephone, in person,regular mail and the like.

An additional step 216 includes determining whether the end-user has anamount of virtual currency in the end-user account at least equal to theamount of the savings value. This step is preferably performed bycomputer access of end-user account information.

Where the end-user has sufficient virtual currency, a further step 218of the illustrated embodiment of an inventive method includessubtracting an amount of virtual currency equal to the presented savingsvalue from the end-user's account.

In the case that the end-user does not have enough virtual currency inthe end-user's account, an optional step 220 in the depicted embodimentof an inventive method includes notifying the end-user that the amountof the savings value is greater than the amount of virtual currency inthe end-user account. An end-user may be informed about the amount ofvirtual currency in the end-user's account in various ways. For example,an error message may be displayed, a link to the end-user's accountinformation may be activated and/or account information may be mailed,e-mailed or otherwise communicated to the end-user. In further options,an end-user may be informed about the amount of virtual currency in theend-user's account by visual cues such as color indicators included inproduct price information presentations and/or end-user accountpresentations. For example, a presented savings value may be coloredgreen to indicate that the end-user has sufficient virtual currency topay the savings value. However, one or more of the values may be coloredred to indicate insufficient virtual currency. Other colors may be usedto indicate this information. Other indicators may be used, such as anaudible warning tone or message, a written message such as a pop-updialog box, and the like.

An optional step 222 includes offering the end-user the option of payinga portion of the savings value in actual currency where the end-user hasinsufficient virtual currency.

Also included is a step 224 of receiving details from the end-userindicating payment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to theadjusted base price value.

A step 226 is optionally incorporated in an embodiment allowing theend-user to partially pay the savings value with actual currency.Optional step 226 includes receiving details from the end-userindicating payment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to theadjusted base price value and any amount of the savings value unmet bythe end-user payment of virtual currency.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive method including astep 302 of maintaining a database, such as a step selected from:maintaining a database including end-user identifying information 304,maintaining a database including end-user account information, such as abalance of virtual currency 306, and maintaining a database includingbase price value associated with a product 308. Also shown are steps ofreceiving an end-user request for price information associated with aproduct or service 310, retrieving a daily price value associated withthe product or service for which the end-user has requested information312, retrieving a base price value for the product or service ofinterest to the end-user 314, and adjusting the base price value todetermine the adjusted base price value 316, as described herein.Further shown is a step 318 including calculating a savings valueassociated with the product or service of interest to the end-user basedon the daily price value and the adjusted base price value. In addition,a step 320 includes presenting the daily price value, the adjusted baseprice value and the savings value to the end-user in tabular form. Alsodepicted are steps 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332 and 334 described abovein relation to steps 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 and 226 respectively.

An example of a tabular presentation is shown in FIGS. 12A and B. FIG.12A illustrates product price information presentation 400 for ahypothetical product.

In one embodiment, a portion of the margin is allocated to an entityother than the end-user, such as the administrator. An entity may alsobe a charitable organization, political organization or cause,non-profit organization or any organization designated by a participant,including a client, supplier, administrator, intermediary or end-user.In such an embodiment, the product price information presented to theend-user may include an indication of the allocation to an entity. FIG.12B illustrates a illustrative product price information display 500presented to an end-user in an embodiment in which a charitable donationis made. It will be noted that the savings value is decreased by theamount of the charitable donation in this example. Optionally, the baseprice value or daily price value may be decreased by the amount of theallocation to an entity. In a further option, the amount of a donationmay be hidden, or may be shown in other ways.

FIG. 13 illustrates a tabular presentation of price information 600included in an embodiment of an inventive system and method. In thisillustration, the product of interest is a hotel stay. The daily pricevalue is shown in the row 640 titled ‘hotel price.’ The base price valueor adjusted base price value is shown in the row 642 titled ‘your hotelcost after rewards.’ The savings/discount value is shown in row 644titled ‘virtual cash reward.’ Optionally, the information is presentedto show costs and savings over a period of time. FIG. 13 showsinformation associated with each day of a hotel stay in columns 646. Inaddition, total costs and savings are shown in a totals column 648. Atotals column is optionally included to present information selectedfrom the group consisting of: total daily price value, total base pricevalue, total savings value, total virtual currency applied to thepurchase, total virtual currency in an end-user account and combinationsthereof. In a preferred embodiment, the information is presented to anend-user by way of a communications network connection, such as anInternet connection, for example, displayed on a web page.

FIG. 14 illustrates a tabular presentation 650 of information regardingan end-user's virtual currency account.

FIG. 15 shows an illustrative end-user interface in the form of a webpage at 1000 which includes a tabular presentation of product priceinformation 1002 as well as links to various functionalities. Asillustrated, a presentation of product information embedded in a webpage may include other optional functionalities such as product options1004, product information 1006, further product request options 1008,links to account information 1010, and the like. Product priceinformation may also be presented in printed/mailed form. Thepresentation of the product price information including base pricevalue, daily price value and savings value may be computer generated andcommunicated over a communications network, such as the internet, to anend-user such that the end-user may view the information on screenand/or print.

Since the daily price value may be subject to change, the administratorand/or supplier optionally define a time frame within which the productprice information is valid and during which the end-user can purchasethe product using the information presented. For example, an end-usermay be limited to purchase of the product within several minutes toseveral weeks after receiving the price information.

In a one embodiment of an inventive method, an identifier is associatedwith an end-user transaction such as an end-user's request to purchase aproduct or service to facilitate reconciling various aspects of thetransaction in an administrator's records. For example, when an end-usermakes a purchase request, a credit card of the end-user is charged bythe administrator for the amount to be paid in actual currency. Theadministrator communicates notification of the purchase to the productor service supplier and in one embodiment, further communicatesadministrator credit card information to the supplier authorizing thesupplier to charge the amount of actual currency to the administratorcredit card once the product or service is delivered to the end-user.Since the administrator is likely to be involved in numerous suchtransactions each day, the charges to the administrator credit card arepreferably tagged with an identifier indicative of a particular end-usertransaction so that once delivery of the product or service to theend-user is successfully accomplished, the administrator can so indicatein administrator records, finalizing the transaction. In one embodiment,an identifier is associated with an end-user transaction by use of asingle use credit card with a unique identifier, such as a unique creditcard number. In such an embodiment, a single use credit card number iscommunicated to the supplier and recorded in administrator files. Such asingle use credit card number may be associated with limitations such asa charge amount limit or designation of a particular product or servicewhich can be charged to the card number in order to provide security andavoid unauthorized transactions. Once the end-user has received thegoods or services purchased, the supplier may send confirmationincluding the single use credit card number to the administrator suchthat the administrator is able to easily identify the transaction inadministrator files.

A further step includes identifying the end-user (not shown). This stepis optionally performed by end-user entry of identifying informationsuch as end-user name, password, account number, e-mail address, or acombination of these. End-user identifying information may be verifiedby, for example, comparison with identifying information stored in adatabase as described herein. If the end-user cannot be verified as aknown end-user, an error message or other notification may be returnedto the end-user requesting re-entry of the information. Optionally, theunidentified end-user may be prompted to register their account, forinstance by initial entry of information printed on a card distributedby a client, supplier or administrator. The step of identifying theend-user is optionally performed after the end-user has reviewedavailable products and services.

An optional step (not shown) includes providing the end-user withconfirmation of product purchase. A further optional step (not shown)includes providing the end-user with details of shipping and the like.

In one embodiment of an inventive system and method, an end-user accountis established which is associated with end-user information such as aname, end-user ID, or the like. An end-user account associated withend-user information such as a name, end-user ID, or the like may beestablished by an administrator in a preferred embodiment. In a furtherembodiment, a card, letter or other medium indicating an account numberand pass code is distributed to an end-user. In such an embodiment,end-user identification information is not associated with the accountnumber and pass code. Rather, the end-user having the card, letter orother medium indicating an account number and pass code enters theaccount number and pass code via an end-user interface to access theaccount. Preferably, once the account number and pass code are entered,the end-user is prompted to enter identifying information such as aname, address, client affiliation and the like such that the account andpass code are associated with the end-user.

In one embodiment of an inventive system and method, the product ishotel rooms and services. In additional embodiments, the product istravel related for example, air travel, cruise trips, travel relatedmerchandise such as luggage, accessories, and the like. In furtherembodiments, the product is entertainment such as tickets, videos, DVDs,audio recordings, restaurant products; general or specializedmerchandise such as clothing, appliances, electronic devices; andservices such as lawn care, home improvement and repair services,personal care services, and pet care services.

Preferably, an inventive method is a communications network-basedmethod. In a preferred embodiment, participants in an inventive systemand method communicate by communications network such as an Internetconnection. Internet connections include a direct internet connection, adial-up internet connection, server access, a digital line, such as anISDN, T1 or T3 digital connection, a local area network (LAN)connection, a wide area network (WAN), an Ethernet connection, a DSLconnection or any other wired or wireless connection. Devices used in acommunications network include any suitable communications devices suchas a computer including a processor, a memory, an input component, anoutput component, a program stored in the memory and accessible by theprocessor for performing one or more steps of an inventive method asdescribed herein, and a display device. Further included is a databaseas described herein for access in a step of an inventive method, such asa database maintained by a client, administrator, supplier and/orintermediary. Devices used in a communications network further include atelephone, including such telephone device as a cellular telephone, awireless telephone, a mobile telephone, a display telephone, a pagingsystem, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, and aFacsimile machine.

Optionally, an administrator provides a website customized for a client,supplier or end-user. The customized website optionally interacts withthe administrator's own database or databases, and server to implementan inventive method. In a further option, the customized websiteinteracts with a database owned and/or maintained by the customizedwebsite owner/licensee and may interact with a computer-executableprogram owned/maintained by the customized website owner.

In a further preferred embodiment an inventive system and/or method maybe customized such that information accessed or received by one end-usermay differ from that accessed or received by another end-user. Forexample, an end-user may be presented with a wide range of products orservices available for purchase. Alternatively, an end-user may bepresented with a limited range of products or services, such as hotelsonly. In another embodiment, a first end-user and a second end-user maybe presented with different sets of available products or services and,in addition, the prices of the available products and/or servicespresented to the first end-user and second end-user may differ. Suchdifferences may be based on a hierarchical rewards scheme, or amarketing strategy, for example.

In one embodiment, a method according to the invention includes the stepof presenting an end-user with price information in response to anend-user request, wherein the price information is stored in a stableconformation rather than being generated in response to the end-userrequest. That is, rather than requesting and receiving dynamicinformation from the supplier and calculating the savings at the time ofthe request, the savings value has been calculated and stored in asuitable presentation format, such as a table described above, forpresentation in response to an end-user request.

In another embodiment, an end-user may be presented with product priceinformation showing a base price value, a daily price value and asavings value without a direct end-user request. For example, theproduct price information may be presented in response to a clientrequest, client initiative, a supplier request, supplier initiative,administrator request to a client or supplier or an administratorinitiative. In an illustrative example, a supplier wishing to promote aproduct may request that an administrator send a presentation of productprice information including a base price value, a daily price value anda savings value to an end-user, for instance by e-mail or mailedadvertising.

Further provided is an embodiment of an inventive system and method inwhich the a portion of the margin ranging from 0.001 to 100% isallocated to the administrator and wherein the administrator furtherdevotes a portion of the allocated amount to acquiring a reward item inorder to present the end-user with a bonus in the form of the rewarditem. In a preferred embodiment, 100% of the margin is allocated to theadministrator and the administrator further devotes a portion or thetotal of the allocated amount to acquiring a reward item in order topresent the end-user with a bonus in the form of a reward item.

Illustrative examples of a reward item include “mileage points” or“loyalty points” such as are known in the art and which are redeemablefor a product or service such as airline travel, hotel stays, meals, andthe like. These may be purchased by the administrator for cash orobtained for other consideration.

In further embodiments of methods and systems of the present invention,methods and systems for providing a discount and/or a discount offer areprovided which include a savings value indicative of an amount of apartner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user.

Thus, for example, in certain embodiments, a method for providing adiscount and/or a discount offer includes calculating a differencebetween the retrieved daily price value and the adjusted base pricevalue to determine a savings value of the product, the savings valueindicative of an amount of a partner-issued currency or a combination ofvirtual currency and partner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user.

As noted above, a partner-issued currency may be any type of non-actualcurrency, illustratively including “miles” issued by an airline company.FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which a partner 1115 interacts withan end-user 1110 such that an end-user has access to a partner-issuedcurrency, while an administrator 1114 interacts with a partner 1115 suchthat an end-user is authorized to obtain a discount or discount offer onproducts and services using a system and/or method according to thepresent invention. Optionally, a client 1112 may also interact with anend-user such that the end-user has access to a virtual currency.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment in which an end-user 1110 interactswith a partner 1115 and optionally with an administrator 1114 and/orclient 1112.

An embodiment of a system according to the present invention in which apartner-issued currency may be used by the end-user to obtain a discountpreferably includes components described herein, such as thoseillustrated schematically in FIG. 3, including data input and outputcapacity, processing circuitry, memory circuitry and an executableprogram for carrying out one or more steps in an inventive method.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system, 1140, in whichan end-user interface 1142 is provided along with processing circuitry1144, and an executable program 1146 for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 1148 includinga daily price database, a base price database, an end-user accountdatabase, a partner information database, and a product informationdatabase. A client database may also be included in certain embodiments.In an illustrative embodiment, database components are administratorcontrolled, such that an active connection to a client, supplier, orintermediary database is unnecessary to carry out a step of an inventivemethod. For example, in such an embodiment, a daily price value isstored in a database controlled by an administrator such that areal-time inquiry to another entity for a daily price value isunnecessary to calculate a savings value, present price information toan end-user and complete a transaction in which an end-user receives adiscount on a product or service.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system, 1150, in whichan end-user interface 1142 is provided along with processing circuitry1144, and an executable program 1146 for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 1148 includinga daily price database, a base price database, an end-user accountdatabase, a partner information database, and a product informationdatabase. A client database may also be included in certain embodiments.In an illustrative embodiment, some database components areadministrator controlled. In addition, a client interface 1152 isprovided in an illustrated embodiment, allowing for client input ofend-user account information, such as a list of end-users and amounts ofa virtual currency to be added to end-user accounts. Such informationmay be input to directly update an end-user account. Alternatively, suchinformation may be transmitted to an administrator, such as by e-mail orFTP download of information for instance, for administrator entry.

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system, 1160, in whichan end-user interface 1142 is provided along with processing circuitry1144, and an executable program 1146 for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 1148 includinga base price database, an end-user account database, and a partnerinformation database. A client database may also be included in certainembodiments. In an illustrative embodiment, some database components areadministrator controlled. In addition, an optional client interface 1152is illustrated. Further depicted are supplier components 1154. In aparticular embodiment, a supplier controls a daily price value database1156 which may be accessed by an administrator to retrieve a daily pricevalue. In addition, a supplier may optionally provide productinformation 1158. For example, a supplier may present productinformation on a web page controlled by the supplier and theadministrator may provide a link to the information to an end-user. Suchproduct information illustratively includes such information as adescription of the product, a technical specification of the product, anillustration of the product, a location of the product, a map showingthe location of the product, a critical review of the product,instructions on use of the product, combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive system, 1170, in whichan end-user interface 1142 is provided along with processing circuitry1144, and an executable program 1146 for carrying out one or more stepsin an inventive method. Also included is memory circuitry 1148 includinga base price database, an end-user account database, and a partnerinformation database. A client database may also be included in certainembodiments. In an illustrative embodiment, some database components areadministrator controlled. An optional client interface 1152 is alsoshown. Further, a supplier provided component 1154 is illustrated andmay include product information 1158. For example, a supplier maypresent product information on a web page controlled by the supplier andthe administrator may provide a link to the information to an end-user.In a particular embodiment, a supplier provided component 1162 iscommunicated to an intermediary 1164 which provides access to anadministrator. In particular, a supplier provided component 1162communicated to an intermediary 1164 includes a supplier database 1160containing daily price value information.

Further provided by the present invention is an embodiment of aninventive method including steps depicted in FIG. 22. An illustratedembodiment of an inventive method includes the step 1202 of receiving anend-user request for price information associated with a product orservice. In a preferred embodiment, the end-user request is receivedover a communications network, such as a wireless or wired LAN, WAN, orother network, including, the “internet.” For example, the end-userpreferably uses a computer or other electronic device capable ofreceiving Internet communications to access a web page displayinginformation indicating participation in an inventive method. The webpage optionally displays administrator information such as name and/orlogo. In a further option, the website displays client information suchthat the end-user associates the savings value with the identity of theclient. Alternatively, the end-user may request the price information bytelephone or in person from a representative.

A further step 1204 includes retrieving a daily price value associatedwith the product or service for which the end-user has requestedinformation. Since the daily price value may vary considerably withtime, the daily price value may be established by the supplier as validfor a particular period of time. For instance, the supplier maystipulate that a given daily price value is good for one month afterissue for a particular product or service. Thus, one month after issueof the daily price value, a new daily price value must be obtained fromthe supplier. The frequency with a new daily price value must beobtained depends on a number of factors such as the product or serviceinvolved. In a preferred embodiment, the daily price value is obtainedfrom the supplier upon end-user demand for price information. The dailyprice value is optionally obtained directly from the supplier or from anadministrator-controlled database. In a preferred option, the dailyprice value is retrieved from a database controlled by an intermediary.

In a particular embodiment of an inventive method, an end-user requestsprice information for a hotel stay. Since the hotel industry is one inwhich room prices and availability frequently fluctuate, it is preferredthat the daily price value is obtained in immediate response to theend-user request for information. A particular hotel, or centralinformation contact for a hotel chain may be contacted, preferably by acommunications network connection, such as an Internet connection, toobtain the daily price value. Alternatively, a daily price value isobtained through an intermediary, such as Pegasus Solutions, Inc., whichmaintains a switch for interfacing to a database of one of many hotels.In a further embodiment, a daily price value is obtained from a databasecontaining daily rate values communicated to the intermediary ordirectly entered into a database maintained by the intermediary.

In a further step 1206 of an inventive method, a base price value forthe product or service of interest to the end-user is retrieved. Forexample, the base price value may be retrieved from a databasemaintained by an administrator or supplier. As described, the base pricevalue is typically negotiated between the administrator and supplier, oralternatively, between the client and supplier.

Another step of an illustrated embodiment includes a step 1208 ofadjusting the base price value to determine the adjusted base pricevalue, as described herein. The adjusted base price value is the pricethat the end-user pays using an actual currency, such as by credit card,debit card, or the like. In one embodiment, a client optionally pays theadjusted base price value for the end-user, such as when a client wishesto extend an extra reward to an end-user.

A further step 1210 of a method according to an embodiment of theinvention includes calculating a savings value associated with theproduct or service of interest to an end-user as described herein. Anexemplary calculating step includes calculating a difference between theretrieved daily price value and the adjusted base price value todetermine a savings value of the product, the savings value indicativeof an amount of a partner-issued currency or a combination of virtualcurrency and partner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user.

In a step 1212 of a method according to an embodiment of the invention,price and savings values are presented to an end-user. In a preferredoption, price information presented to the end-user includes presentingthe daily price value, the adjusted base price value and the savingsvalue associated with the product or service of interest. In a furtherpreferred option, the daily price value, the adjusted base price valueand the savings value are presented in tabular form. Optionally, otherforms of presentation may be used, such as a list, a graph, or otherform of presentation of the information described.

A further step 1214 in an embodiment of an inventive method includesreceiving an end-user request to purchase the product. The request mayinclude end-user specification of an amount of partner-issued currencyor a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency theend-user desires to apply to the savings value. In a preferredembodiment, the end-user does not have the option to specify an amountof partner-issued currency or a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to apply other than the amount of the savingsvalue displayed to the user. However, as described herein, in oneembodiment the end-user may optionally pay part of the savings valuewith actual currency where the end-user has insufficient virtualcurrency to pay the savings value with partner-issued currency or acombination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency. The requestis preferably received via a communications network, such as by Internetcommunication, but may also be communicated by other means such astelephone, in person, regular mail and the like.

An additional step 1216 includes determining whether the end-user has anamount of partner-issued currency or combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency in the end-user account at least equal to theamount of the savings value. This step is preferably performed bycomputer access of end-user account information.

Where the end-user has sufficient partner-issued currency or combinationof virtual currency and partner-issued currency, a further step 1218 ofthe illustrated embodiment of an inventive method includes subtractingan amount of partner-issued currency or combination of virtual currencyand partner-issued currency equal to the presented savings value fromthe end-user's account.

In the case that the end-user does not have enough partner-issuedcurrency or a combination of virtual currency and partner-issuedcurrency in the end-user's account or accounts, an optional step 1220 inthe depicted embodiment of an inventive method includes notifying theend-user that the amount of the savings value is greater than the amountof partner-issued currency or combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency in the end-user account. An end-user may beinformed about the amount of partner-issued currency and/or virtualcurrency in the end-user's account in various ways. For example, anerror message may be displayed, a link to the end-user's accountinformation may be activated and/or account information may be mailed,e-mailed or otherwise communicated to the end-user. In further options,an end-user may be informed about the amount of partner-issued currencyand/or virtual currency in the end-user's account by visual cues such ascolor indicators included in product price information presentationsand/or end-user account presentations. For example, a presented savingsvalue may be colored green to indicate that the end-user has sufficientpartner-issued currency and/or virtual currency to pay the savingsvalue. However, one or more of the values may be colored red to indicateinsufficient partner-issued currency and/or virtual currency. Othercolors may be used to indicate this information. Other indicators may beused, such as an audible warning tone or message, a written message suchas a pop-up dialog box, and the like.

An optional step 1222 includes offering the end-user the option ofpaying a portion of the savings value in actual currency where theend-user has insufficient partner-issued currency and/or virtualcurrency.

Also included is a step 1224 of receiving details from the end-userindicating payment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to theadjusted base price value.

A step 1226 is optionally incorporated in an embodiment allowing theend-user to partially pay the savings value with actual currency.Optional step 1226 includes receiving details from the end-userindicating payment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to theadjusted base price value and any amount of the savings value unmet bythe end-user payment of partner-issued currency and/or virtual currency.

FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment of an inventive method including astep 1302 of maintaining a database, such as a step selected from:maintaining a database including end-user identifying information 1304,maintaining a database including end-user account information, such as abalance of virtual currency and/or a balance of a partner-issuedcurrency 1306, and maintaining a database including base price valueassociated with a product 1308. Also shown are steps of receiving anend-user request for price information associated with a product orservice 1310, retrieving a daily price value associated with the productor service for which the end-user has requested information 1312,retrieving a base price value for the product or service of interest tothe end-user 1314, and adjusting the base price value to determine theadjusted base price value 1316, as described herein. Further shown is astep 1318 including calculating a savings value associated with theproduct or service of interest to the end-user based on the daily pricevalue and the adjusted base price value. In addition, a step 1320includes presenting the daily price value, the adjusted base price valueand the savings value to the end-user in tabular form. Also depicted aresteps 1322, 1324, 1326, 1328, 1330, 1332 and 1334 described above inrelation to steps 1214, 1216, 1218.1220, 1222, 1224 and 1226respectively.

FIG. 24 illustrates a tabular presentation of price information 1400included in an embodiment of an inventive system and method. In thisillustration, the product of interest is a hotel stay. The daily pricevalue is shown in the row 1440 titled ‘Hotel Price.’ The base pricevalue or adjusted base price value is shown in the row 1442 titled ‘YourHotel Cost after Partner-Issued Currency Contribution.’ Thesavings/discount value is shown in row 1444 titled ‘Partner-IssuedCurrency Contribution.’ Optionally, the information is presented to showcosts and savings over a period of time. In addition, where a virtualcurrency is used in combination with a partner-issued currency, thatinformation may be included in the tabular presentation such as shown.FIG. 24 shows information associated with each day of a hotel stay incolumns 1446. In addition, total costs and savings are shown in a totalscolumn 1448. A totals column is optionally included to presentinformation selected from the group consisting of: total daily pricevalue, total base price value, total savings value, total partner-issuedcurrency applied to the purchase, total virtual currency applied to thepurchase, total partner-issued currency in an end-user account, totalvirtual currency in an end-user account, and combinations thereof. In apreferred embodiment, the information is presented to an end-user by wayof a communications network connection, such as an Internet connection,for example, displayed on a web page.

FIG. 25 illustrates a tabular presentation 1550 of information regardingan end-user's partner-issued currency account and/or an end-user'svirtual currency account.

FIG. 26 shows an illustrative end-user interface in the form of a webpage at 1600 which includes a tabular presentation of product priceinformation 1602 as well as links to various functionalities. Asillustrated, a presentation of product information embedded in a webpage may include other optional functionalities such as product options1604, product information 1606, further product request options 1608,links to account information 1610, and the like. Product priceinformation may also be presented in printed/mailed form. Thepresentation of the product price information including base pricevalue, daily price value and savings value may be computer generated andcommunicated over a communications network, such as the internet, to anend-user such that the end-user may view the information on screenand/or print.

In one embodiment of an inventive system and method for providing adiscount or a discount offer to an end-user, an amount of a virtualcurrency is distributed to an end-user in the form of a “gift card.” Insuch an embodiment, an exhaustible, fixed amount of virtual currency isattributed to an individual holding a card. In a further embodiment, agift card is refillable. For example, a client, administrator or partnermay elect to give an end-user a gift card having a specified exhaustibleamount of virtual currency. Once exhausted, the gift card optionally hasvirtual currency refilled in the original amount, or another amount, bythe client, administrator or partner. In a further option, the end-usermay pay actual currency to refill the gift card with virtual currency.The virtual currency may also be periodically refilled or supplemented,such as to reward the end-user for a particular activity or forcontinued participation in a program.

An account is generally established in order to use the gift card. Forinstance, an end-user enters a code number printed or affixed to thegift card along with identifying information, such as credit cardinformation in order to establish an account. The end-user may accessproduct information and inquire about pricing of the selected product orproducts. In a preferred option, a gift card confers access to a limitedrange of products or services. For instance, a gift card is configuredas a “hotel gift card” in one embodiment, providing an end-user with adiscount on a hotel stay. In such an embodiment, a user interface may beconfigured to display only hotel information to the end-user. Forinstance, the code number input by the end-user may encode informationsignifying “hotel gift card” such that only hotel information isincluded in a product information display presented to the end-user.Further, product or service information presented to the user may onlyinclude those products or services that have a margin value equal to orless than the “value” of the virtual currency displayed on the giftcard. For example, where the “value” of the virtual currency displayedon the gift card is $50 of a virtual currency, the margin value of ahotel stay is preferably $50 or more of actual currency. FIG. 27illustrates an end-user gift card optionally included in an inventivesystem or method.

Any patents or publications mentioned in this specification are hereinincorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individualpublication was specifically and individually indicated to beincorporated by reference. In particular, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/049,608, filed Feb. 2, 2005 and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/894,059, filed Mar. 9, 2007, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the presentinvention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the endsand advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. Theapparatus and methods described herein are presently representative ofpreferred embodiments, exemplary, and not intended as limitations on thescope of the invention. Changes therein and other uses will occur tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and other uses can be madewithout departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in theclaims.

1. A method for providing a discount to an end-user, comprising thesteps of: authorizing a client of an administrator to distribute avirtual currency to the end-user, the virtual currency authorized fordistribution to the end-user by the administrator, wherein theadministrator is the creator of the virtual currency, wherein thevirtual currency has no per unit cost to the client, and wherein theend-user does not pay for the virtual currency; distributing the virtualcurrency, the virtual currency distributed by the client to the end-userwithout any limitation imposed by the administrator on the amount of thevirtual currency distributed; receiving an end-user request for priceinformation associated with a product, wherein the product is a good ora service; retrieving a daily price value of the product from a firstdatabase; retrieving a base price value of the product from a seconddatabase; calculating, by a computer system, a difference between theretrieved daily price value and the retrieved base price value todetermine a margin value; allocating, by the computer system, a portionof the margin value to an entity other than the end-user; increasing, bythe computer system, the base price value by an amount equal to theamount allocated to the entity to determine an adjusted base price valueof the product, the adjusted base price value indicative of an amount ofactual currency to be paid by the end-user; calculating a differencebetween the retrieved daily price value and the adjusted base pricevalue to determine a savings value of the product, the savings valueindicative of an amount of combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user; presenting theretrieved daily price value of the product, the adjusted base pricevalue of the product and the savings value of the product to theend-user; receiving an end-user request to purchase the product;determining, by the computer system, that the end-user has an amount ofavailable combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency atleast equal to the amount of the savings value; subtracting, by thecomputer system, an amount of combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency equal to the savings value from the availablecombination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency; andreceiving details from the end-user indicating payment of actualcurrency in an amount at least equal to the adjusted base price value;thereby providing the discount to the end-user.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the end-user request is received over a communicationsnetwork.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first database isselected from the group consisting of: a supplier database, anintermediary database and an administrator database.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the second database is selected from the groupconsisting of: a supplier database, an intermediary database and anadministrator database.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the product isselected from the group consisting of: a hotel stay, airline travel, anda condominium stay.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the product isselected from the group consisting of: a cruise trip, travel relatedmerchandise, luggage, a theatrical ticket, a video cassette recording, aDVD, an audio recording, a restaurant product, an article of clothing,an appliance, an electronic device, lawn care, home improvement, arepair service, a personal care service, and a pet care service.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the retrieved dailyprice value of the product, the adjusted base price value of the productand the savings value of the product to the end-user includespresentation of the retrieved daily price value of the product, theadjusted base price value of the product and the savings value of theproduct in tabular form.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the virtual currency is delivered to the end-user in the formof a gift card.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gift card isrefillable.
 10. A method for providing a discount to an end-user,comprising the steps of: authorizing a client to distribute a virtualcurrency to the end-user, the virtual currency authorized fordistribution to the end-user by an administrator, wherein theadministrator is the creator of the virtual currency, wherein thevirtual currency has no per unit cost to the client, and wherein theend-user does not pay for the virtual currency; distributing the virtualcurrency, the virtual currency distributed by the client to the end-userwithout any limitation imposed by the administrator on the amount of thevirtual currency distributed; receiving an end-user request for priceinformation associated with a product, wherein the product is a good ora service; retrieving a daily price value of the product from a firstdatabase; retrieving a base price value of the product from a seconddatabase; calculating, by a computer system, a difference between theretrieved daily price value and the retrieved base price value todetermine a margin value; allocating, by the computer system, a portionof the margin value to an entity other than the end-user; increasing, bythe computer system, the base price value by an amount equal to theamount allocated to the entity to determine an adjusted base price valueof the product, the adjusted base price value indicative of an amount ofactual currency to be paid by the end-user; calculating a differencebetween the retrieved daily price value and the adjusted base pricevalue to determine a savings value of the product, the savings valueindicative of an amount of a combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user; presenting theretrieved daily price value of the product, the adjusted base pricevalue of the product and the savings value of the product to theend-user; receiving a first end-user request to purchase the product;determining, by the computer system, that the end-user does not have anamount of available combination of virtual currency and partner-issuedcurrency at least equal to the amount of the savings value; calculating,by the computer system, a difference between the amount of availablecombination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency and theamount of the savings value to determine an amount of a combination ofvirtual currency and partner-issued currency deficiency; notifying theend-user that the amount of the combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency deficiency may be paid in actual currency;receiving a second end-user request to purchase the product; andreceiving details from the end-user indicating payment of actualcurrency in an amount at least equal to the adjusted base price valueand the amount of the combination of virtual currency and partner-issuedcurrency deficiency; thereby providing the discount to the end-user. 11.The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of notifying theend-user that the amount of the savings value is greater than the amountof available combination of virtual currency and partner-issuedcurrency.
 12. A method for providing a discount offer to an end-user,comprising the steps of: authorizing a client to distribute a virtualcurrency to the end-user, the virtual currency authorized fordistribution to the end-user by an administrator, wherein theadministrator is the creator of the virtual currency and wherein thevirtual currency has no per unit cost to the client; distributing thevirtual currency, the virtual currency distributed by the client to theend-user without any limitation imposed by the administrator on theamount of the virtual currency distributed, wherein the end-user doesnot pay for the virtual currency; retrieving a daily price value of aproduct from a first database; retrieving a base price value of theproduct from a second database; calculating, by a computer system, adifference between the retrieved daily price value and the retrievedbase price value to determine a margin value; allocating, by thecomputer system, a portion of the margin value to at least one entityother than the end-user; increasing, by the computer system, the baseprice value by an amount equal to the amount allocated to the at leastone entity to determine an adjusted base price value of the product, theadjusted base price value indicative of an amount of actual currency tobe paid by the end-user; calculating a difference between the retrieveddaily price value and the adjusted base price value to determine asavings value of the product, the savings value indicative of an amountof a combination of the virtual currency and partner-issued currency tobe paid by the end-user; and presenting the retrieved daily price valueof the product, the adjusted base price value of the product and thesavings value of the product to the end-user thereby providing thediscount offer to the end-user.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein thefirst database is selected from the group consisting of: a supplierdatabase, an intermediary database and an administrator database. 14.The method of claim 12, wherein the second database is selected from thegroup consisting of: a supplier database, an intermediary database andan administrator database.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein theportion of the margin value is allocated to more than one entity otherthan the end-user.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least oneentity to whom the portion of the margin value is allocated is selectedfrom the group consisting of: a client, a supplier, and an intermediary.17. The method of claim 12, wherein the at least one entity to whom theportion of the margin value is allocated is the administrator.
 18. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the share allocated to the administratorranges from 0.001-99% of the margin value.
 19. The method of claim 12,wherein the at least one entity to whom the portion of the margin valueis allocated is a charity.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein at leasta portion of the virtual currency is delivered to the end-user in theform of a gift card.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the gift cardis refillable.
 22. A computer system for providing a discount to anend-user, comprising: a device having a data input and output element,processing circuitry, memory circuitry and an executable program forperforming a method comprising the steps of: authorizing a client of anadministrator to distribute a virtual currency to the end-user, thevirtual currency authorized for distribution to the end-user by theadministrator, wherein the administrator is the creator of the virtualcurrency and wherein the virtual currency has no per unit cost to theclient; distributing the virtual currency, the virtual currencydistributed by the client to the end-user without any limitation imposedby the administrator on the amount of virtual currency distributed,wherein the end-user does not pay for the virtual currency; receiving anend-user request for price information associated with a product,wherein the product is a good or a service; retrieving a daily pricevalue of the product from a first database; retrieving a base pricevalue of the product from a second database; calculating, by thecomputer system, a difference between the retrieved daily price valueand the retrieved base price value to determine a margin value;allocating, by the computer system, a portion of the margin value to anentity other than the end-user; increasing, by the computer system, thebase price value by an amount equal to the amount allocated to theentity to determine an adjusted base price value of the product, theadjusted base price value indicative of an amount of actual currency tobe paid by the end-user; calculating a difference between the retrieveddaily price value and the adjusted base price value to determine asavings value of the product, the savings value indicative of an amountof a combination of virtual currency and partner-issued currency to bepaid by the end-user; presenting the retrieved daily price value of theproduct, the adjusted base price value of the product and the savingsvalue of the product to the end-user; receiving an end-user request topurchase the product; determining, by the computer system, that theend-user has an amount of available combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency at least equal to the amount of the savingsvalue; subtracting, by the computer system, an amount of combination ofvirtual currency and partner-issued currency equal to the presentedsavings value from the available combination of virtual currency andpartner-issued currency; and receiving details from the end-userindicating payment of actual currency in an amount at least equal to theadjusted base price value; thereby providing the discount to theend-user.
 23. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the memorycircuitry stores a database storing base price data.
 24. The computersystem of claim 22, wherein the memory circuitry stores a databasestoring daily price data.
 25. The computer system of claim 22, whereinthe memory circuitry stores a database storing end-user account data.26. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the memory circuitry storesa database storing client information.
 27. The computer system of claim22, wherein the memory circuitry stores a database storing productinformation.
 28. The computer system of claim 22, wherein the data inputand output element comprises an end-user interface.
 29. The computersystem of claim 22, wherein the data input and output element comprisesa client interface.
 30. The computer system of claim 22, wherein thedata input and output element comprises a supplier interface.
 31. Thecomputer system of claim 22, wherein the data input and output elementcomprises an intermediary interface.
 32. The computer system of claim22, further comprising a communications link to a database storing dailyprice data, the database maintained by an intermediary.
 33. The computersystem of claim 22, further comprising a communications link to adatabase storing daily price data, the database maintained by asupplier.
 34. The computer system of claim 22, further comprising acommunications link to a database storing product information, thedatabase maintained by a supplier.
 35. A method for providing a discountoffer to an end-user, comprising the steps of: authorizing a client todistribute a virtual currency to the end-user, the virtual currencyauthorized for distribution to the end-user by an administrator, whereinthe administrator is the creator of the virtual currency and wherein thevirtual currency has no per unit cost to the client; distributing thevirtual currency, the virtual currency distributed by the client to theend-user without any limitation imposed by the administrator on theamount of the virtual currency distributed, wherein the end-user doesnot pay for the virtual currency; retrieving a daily price value of aproduct from a first database; retrieving a base price value of theproduct from a second database, the base price value indicative of anamount of actual currency to be paid by the end-user; calculating, by acomputer system, a difference between the retrieved daily price valueand the retrieved base price value to determine a margin value, themargin value indicative of an amount of a combination of the virtualcurrency and partner-issued currency to be paid by the end-user; andpresenting the retrieved daily price value of the product, the retrievedbase price value of the product, and the margin value of the product tothe end-user; thereby providing the discount offer to the end-user.